معرفی
Harold Recinos is Professor of Church and Society at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. As a cultural anthropologist, he specializes in work and ethnographic literature dealing with undocumented Central American migrants and the Salvadoran diaspora. His academic career spans several decades with significant contributions to Latino Theology and poetic expression of religious experience.
His educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from American University (1993)
- D.Min. from New York Theological Seminary (1986)
- M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary (1982)
- B.A. from College of Wooster (1978)
Professor Recinos specializes in anthropology of religion, North American Latino/a theology, racial and ethnic studies, popular religion, and urban ministry. His research focuses on popular religion, race and ethnicity in religious contexts, Hispanic/Latino theology, Latin American immigrants and refugees in the United States, liberation theologies, and congregational studies. Since the mid-1980s, he has worked extensively with the Salvadoran refugee community and marginal communities in El Salvador on human rights issues. For Recinos, poetry serves as a medium to motivate dreams of different existence and free the imagination from cultural limitations.
His extensive publication record shows a consistent focus on the intersection of theology, poetry, and social justice. The most recent works continue his lifelong exploration of Latino religious experience, particularly through poetic expression. His publications reveal a trajectory from more academic theological works to increasingly poetic expressions of religious experience, while maintaining a strong commitment to social justice and the experiences of marginalized communities. The recurring themes across his work include the religious experiences of Latino communities, the intersection of faith and social justice, and the use of poetic language to express theological concepts.
Among his notable recognitions:
- Ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference
- Contributing Editor for the Journal of Hispanic/Latino Theology
- Recognition Award from Ann Arundel Community College, Maryland
- Recognition Award from Escuela de Teologia para Ministerios Hispanos, New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
- Southeast Jurisdiction Urban Network Award
- Pulitzer Prize nomination for The Looking Glass: Far and Near (2023)
Professor Recinos has advised numerous students in theology and religious studies, with a particular focus on those interested in Latino theology and ministry. His work with the Salvadoran refugee community since the 1980s demonstrates a long-standing commitment to practical application of theological principles in real-world contexts. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the available materials, his extensive publication record suggests successful research funding throughout his career.
Though not explicitly mentioned in terms of formal labs or research teams, Recinos's work appears deeply connected to community-based research, particularly with Salvadoran refugee communities and Latino congregations. His role as Contributing Editor for the Journal of Hispanic/Latino Theology indicates active participation in scholarly networks focused on Latino religious experience.
